MOBILE GENERATIONS- 2G, 3G and 4G

The differences between 2G, 3G and 4G and what to expect with 5G:

In mobile telecommunication standards generations are represented in the form of ‘G’.While 3G and 4G are current standards 5G is looming just around the corner. The chart below outlines the offerings for each generation.

Another key differentiator between the mobile generations is the ever-increasing need for speed as illustrated in the chart below.

1G: 2.4 kbps

2G: 64 kbps

3G: 2,000 kbps

4G: 100,000 kbps

CDMA and GSM are the two cellular standards used. They function in different regions and allow for global communication between people, but they convert incoming and outgoing data into radio waves differently. Neither standard should be a huge factor in buying a cell phone, but CDMA is notorious for keeping you locked into your carrier.

CDMA vs. GSM the Wireless Signal Carriers for 3G and 4G

CDMA networks allow the greatest number of users due to its wider reach to more phones with fewer mobile towers. This is prevalent in rural areas where there are less mobile towers.

On the contrary, the GSM phones can be transferred to other networks. Since GSM phones don’t require access to a specific carrier’s bands they work in other countries with GSM networks.

5G is coming. Will you be ready for it?

The hype for 5G networks is already here while it is not expected to turn out until at least 2020. At the Mobile World Congress tech show there were promises of 5G powered drones, 5G toy racing cars, as well as the proliferation of devices that will require a mobile internet connection such as:

Home Appliances Door Locks Security Cameras Cars

One thing is for certain, in the future with billions of devices connected, blazing fast Internet will be a necessity - welcome 5G.